OS & Y Globe Valves: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

This guide will help you choose OS & Y globe valve.

It answers all your questions on OS & Y valves – from specifications, working principle, performance criteria to applications, amongst others.

So, if you want to be an expert in OS & Y globe valve, read this guide.

What Is An OS & Y Globe Valve?

OS&Y globe valves are types of globe valves with an outside screw and yoke, hence the name. Turning the handle will directly raise and lower the disc by direct interaction with the stem.

The stem and handle interact together because both are threaded. The stem visibly lowers and raises on the outside of the OS&Y globe valve while the handle remains fixed.

Besides, the wedge inside the globe valve rises in tandem with the stem every time you turn it.

This lets the media flow through the OS &Y globe valve.

It is often very clear whether the OS &Y globe valve is in a closed or open position. This is crucial for adequate fire protection maintenance.

Much of the guesswork about handling the OS &Y globe valve is taken away because of the stem’s visibility.

OS&Y Globe Valve

What Are The Components Of An OS & Y Globe Valve?

The OS&Y globe valve has the following parts:

• Body
• Disc
• Stem
• Gasket
• Bonnet
• Bolt
• Packing, and
• Locknuts.

These parts and components are all made from ASTM standards-compliant materials.

Also, the handwheel is one of the most crucial parts of the OS&Y globe valve. It has a varying diameter or size depending on the port and bonnet size.

In addition to being ASTM compliant, the stem is also API 600 pull test tested, inspected, and certified.

What Materials Are OS & Y Globe Valves Made From?

Our OS&Y globe valves are available in a vast range of alloys, metals, and plastic constructions. This makes them versatile for use in different applications.

Good compatibility when it comes to materials requires that you have an understanding of the following:-

• Type of media you expect the OS &Y globe valve to handle, in most cases, water.
• The concentration of said media
• Pressure and temperature conditions under which the OS&Y globe valve is expected to handle the media.

If necessary, you can consult us for specific properties of the materials used in the OS&Y globe valves.

With that said:-

• The most common materials used in OS&Y globe valve construction are cast iron and cast steel.
• The seat rings are constructed from bronze to provide excellent galling and sizing resistance.
• Mating faces of the OS&Y globe valves are heat treated to achieve differentially high hardness degrees.
• The trim of the OS&Y globe valves is manufactured from steel, cobalt, and its alloys, etc.

What Are The Features Of An OS & Y Globe Valve?

An OS&Y globe valve has the following design specifications:-

• Butt welds conform to ASME B16.25 standards
• Flange end designs conform to ASME B16.5 standards.
• Face-to-face dimensions for flanged and butt weld ends are ASME B16.10 compliant.
• Temperature and pressure ratings of OS &Y globe valves are ASME B16.34 certified.
• Wall thickness and design are API 600 and BS1873 compliant, respectively.

OS&Y globe valves have the following design features:-

• They come with seat rings that are renewable. Thus making maintenance procedures easy.
• They have a rising stem and handwheel.
• Their bonnets are bolted.
• Their most profound feature is the Outside Screw and Yoke. Their name is derived from this attribute.
• They have NPS 2” – 16″, DN 50 – 400 nominal size options.
• Besides, they fall under the class 150 – 2500 pressure range.

We can incorporate additional features to the OS&Y globe valves that provide extra safety and precision.

These include:-

• Limit switches to restrict how far the OS &Y globe valve can close or open. This protects the valve’s internal parts.
• Positioners to enable you to tell how closed or open the OS &Y globe valve is. This might prove helpful when it comes to throttling applications.

What Are The Applications Of OS & Y Globe Valves?

OS&Y globe valves are standard for applications in fire and fire safety control systems such as sprinklers.

They are very effective in controlling water flow to any system of fire sprinklers.

They are, however, not limited to this application only. You can use them in; Oil and fuel systems that require leak tightness and turbine drains and seals.

OS &Y Globe Valve

How Do You Install OS & Y Globe Valves?

The OS&Y globe valve’s directions of flow are marked on the body.

OS&Y globe valves come in various end connection types, each with different installation sequences and guidelines.

For Socket Or Butt Weld Ends

Remove all paint, oil, and grease from the piping before you weld the OS&Y into or onto it.

When welding socket end OS&Y globe valves, ensure it bottoms out through the socket weld bore.

Ensure that there is a gap between the socket weld bore bottom and the pipe to prevent damages and cracks. ASME B16.11 standards require this.

Threaded Ends

First, inspect the mating piping and the OS&Y globe valve threads. To ensure the joint compound doesn’t enter into the flow path of the valve, apply it only to the male end.

Our OS&Y globe valves have wrenching lugs forged onto their ends. Use them on the valve end that is nearest to the joint you are tightening.

Flanged Ends

Ensure dimensional compatibility between the flanges on the OS&Y globe valve and their companion flanges on the piping.

Also, ensure that the sealing surfaces don’t have any dirt.

Install the recommended nuts and studs before placing a flange gasket in between the facings of the flange.

Tighten the nuts and studs in a crisscross manner in similar increments. This will ensure the gasket is compressed correctly.

A few key points to note:

• After installing the OS&Y globe valve, clean the line by flushing to expel debris and other foreign objects.
• Pressurize the line and then check the OS&Y globe valve end connections for leakages. Other parts you might want to consider are the stem packing and bonnet-to-body joints.
  If you notice any leakages in the parts, you might have to tighten the packing.
• OS&Y globe valves work in one direction only. Keep this in mind when you’re installing the valve.
  Proper installation means less wear and tear on the valve over time.
• Mount the OS&Y valve vertically on the pipe with the handwheel pointing up. This puts the working parts of the assembly under less pressure.
• Never overtighten the handwheel. Overtightening puts added pressure on the gland packing.
  If there are issues with leaks, it means there’s a problem with the seat or the plug.

What Is The Functional Lifespan Of OS & Y Globe Valves?

Our OS&Y globe valves will provide your application with a long service life of up to ten years.

Each step from packaging through testing assembly and production is done as per the ASME Section II and ISO 9001 standards.

Proper globe valve maintenance can add years to the life of your valves. Make sure the valves are installed and operated correctly.

Then set up a regular inspection schedule that includes both internal and external maintenance.

Taking these simple steps ensures that your valves won’t fail. It’s a safer and more cost-effective way to operate.

What Is The Pressure Rating Of OS & Y Globe Valves?

OS&Y globe valves can contain maximum pressures that range between 1480 psi and 1500 psi. The variation arises from factors like operation temperature, size, and materials used in construction.

Containing pressure above these recommended ratings can result in:

• System pressure drop. Pressure drop is very significant.
• Impacts
• Pulsations, which may in turn damage the actuators, stem packing, and trim

How Do You Test OS & Y Globe Valve?

You should test the valve frequently to ensure that it is accessible at all times and shows no signs of leaking.

Below are a few guidelines on how to test OS& Y Globe Valve:

The OS&Y globe valve must be fully open to ensure that it is operating correctly. Turn the handwheel in an anti-clockwise manner.

If the valve continues to turn and the stem continues to turn, that’s an indication that the disc has dropped. Hence the OS&Y globe valve is inoperable.

Open the OS&Y globe valve fully until you feel some resistance to it. Also, look at the stem to make sure that it is not moving.

If it is not moving, it means that the OS&Y globe valve is totally engaged and therefore operable.

If your OS&Y globe valve incorporates use of additional electronic supervision or lock and chains, you should inspect and test it every month.

If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact field professionals to ensure that you’re doing these tests properly.

These testing and inspection details are based on:-

• NFPA 25 standards for the inspection testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.

How Do OS & Y Globe Valves Work?

Each OS&Y globe valve has a disc component that is attached to a stem. The stem is threaded and is connected to a yoke by a handle.

Operating the handle in a counter-clockwise motion will cause the stem to rise out of the handle, thus opening.

When you rotate the handwheel in a clockwise motion, the threaded stem will move back down and close the valve.

You can tell that the valve is closed when there is no protrusion of the stem.

What Are The Advantages Of Using OS & Y Globe Valves?

One significant advantage of the OS&Y globe valves is that you can always quickly tell whether they are closed or open.

Well, the stem protrudes out of the handwheel if it open and when in the closed position, it doesn’t. This makes operation easy as a lot of guesswork is taken away.

OS&Y globe valves are UL rated.

This implies that their construction is much more robust and efficient than standard water valves.

How Do You Maintain The OS & Y Globe Valves?

Industrial OS& Y Globe Valve

Start With Proper Installation & Operation

OS&Y globe valves work in one direction only.

Keep this in mind when you’re installing the valve. Proper installation means less wear and tear on the valve over time.

Mount the valve vertically on the pipe with the handwheel pointing up. This puts the working parts of the assembly under less pressure.

Never overtighten the handwheel. Overtightening puts added pressure on the gland packing.

If there are issues with leaks, it means there’s a problem with the seat or the plug.

Regular Inspection

Set up a regular inspection timetable for your valve systems. How often you do this depends on:-

• The type of fluid that the valve is regulating
• How much pressure is on the valve
• How often the valve is cycled during daily operation

When performing regular inspections, check the outside of the valve for signs of wear.

If the valve doesn’t operate regularly, cycle the valve at the time of inspection. This keeps the disc from becoming stuck in the seat.

Then dismantle the valve so you can check interior parts. Note, before you disassemble, make sure to turn the pressure off and let it cool before you handle it.

External OS&Y Globe Valve Maintenance

Check the motion of the stem, which is often the threaded piece exposed to the elements and can quickly become dirty or gritty.

Lubricate it often to ensure the smooth function of the valve.

If any external hardware (nuts, washers, bolts) shows signs of wear, replace them.

Tighten the hardware during regular maintenance, since these components tend to loosen with frequent use of the valve.

Clean the outer surfaces with a cleaning solution and scrape away any build-up. Ensure that there’s no grease on the handwheel to prevent it from slipping when turned.

Internal OS&Y Globe Valve Maintenance

Disassemble the valve according to the instructions then check all of the internal parts for wear and tear.

Inspect the interior of the valve body and bonnet and remove any scale or residue build-up. Then check the plug and the seat.

Sand down minor scratches using an abrasive compound. Or use machine tools to lap down more significant scratches.

When the valve is shut, it puts pressure on the gland packing, compressing it. Over time, it can become hard and lose its ability to hold pressure. Replace the gland packing if this happens.

When you reassemble the valve, use new O-rings and gaskets to ensure a tight seal.

In The Case, The Handle Stops Moving Or The OS&Y Globe Valve Leaks

Each OS&Y globe valve has packing screws or a packing nut. They play a vital role as they are responsible for holding the components in place.

Your valve may leak if they are too loose or too tight. Adjust to required tightness.

The packing being too tight may cause another problem, i.e., the handle getting stuck. Don’t forcefully move the handle as this may cause further damage.

Instead, loosen the packing screws or packing nut a little. The packing being too loose may also be a cause of OS&Y globe valve leakage.

Use an ordinary wrench to tighten the packing screws. This is a simple procedure that does not necessarily require professional plumbers.

How Do You Know Whether The OS & Y Globe Valves Are Open Or Closed?

One thing with OS&Y globe valves is that you can always quickly tell whether they are closed or open.

Well, the stem protrudes out of the handwheel if it is open and when in the closed position, it doesn’t. This makes operation easy as a lot of guesswork is taken away.

Their stems are threaded and connected to yokes using handles. Operating the handle in a counter-clockwise motion will cause the stem to rise out of the handle, thus opening.

When you rotate the handwheel in a clockwise motion, the threaded stem will move back down and close the valve. You can tell that the valve is closed when there is no protrusion of the stem.

How Do You Select OS & Y Globe Valves?

OS&Y globe valve selection can be a highly complex process.

The major challenge arises in sizing because OS&Y globe valves are available in various sizes, i.e., from 2-12 inches.

We will help with this process or avail software that eases the process for you.

The first step is to determine how much media flow will be going through the OS&Y globe valve diameter.

Different OS&Y globe valve sizes have their advantages in terms of throttling and pressure drop abilities.

Determine the flow coefficients required by your process before buying an OS&Y globe valve.

Cast Iron OS&Y Globe Valve

What Is The Difference Between OS & Y Globe Valves And Gate Valves?

You cannot visually determine whether or not they are in the open or closed position with gate valves.

OS&Y globe valves, on the other hand, have a protruding stem which you can quickly inspect to determine the position of the valve.

OS&Y globe valves will provide your process with excellent stroke, throttling abilities, and exceptional shut-off control.

Gate valves compare poorly in these parameters as they have longer strokes and bad throttling properties.

OS&Y globe valves are way easier to maintain, resurface, and machine compared to gate valves. They are also more versatile.

How Does OS & Y Globe Valve Compare To OS & Y Ball Valve?

A ball valve and OS&Y globe valve are two of the most commonly used valves for a standard water central installation.

Both valves share the same functionality.

They are the on and off switch for your water main. When the valve is open, water will flow through your pipe and valve.

When the valve is closed, all water will stop at the valve.

Each of the two valves is required to be used differently on different sizes and types of pipes.

The ball valve functions precisely as it sounds.

There is a ball inside the valve that turns when the valve is opened and closed.

It functions when the handle is moved on a ninety-degree or a quarter turn.

When the ball valve handle is in line with the valve, it means that the valve is in the open position.

When you quarter turn the valve, and it is in the perpendicular position, it is in the closed position.

An OS&Y (outside screw and yolk) globe valve is primarily used for:-

• Any water main that is 3″ or larger
• Any water main that is feeding water to the building for fire protection. The water is controlled by a disc that lowers and raises out of the valve body.

The OS&Y globe valve’s unique feature is that its stem sticks out of the valve when the body is open. The stem serves as visual assistance to determine if the valve is closed or open.

Turning the valve’s handle will raise the stem, lift the disc and open the valve allowing water to flow.

When turned clockwise, the stem will lower into the valve body, closing the disc and stopping any fluid flow.

The functionality of the stem is the primary reason why OS&Y valves are required: (1) Any water mains feeding sprinkler heads. (2) Domestic water mains.

A few key points:

• Both valves must have the UL listing.
• The OS&Y valve must be locked in an open position to enhance fire safety.

Are OS & Y Globe Valves Directional?

Yes, OS&Y globe valves are directional. For this reason, you must install them with the inlet or pressure side under the seat.

Install the OS&Y globe valve in line with water flow according to the flow direction arrow on its body.

Can You Use OS & Y Globe Valves For Throttling?

Yes. Fortunately, OS&Y globe valves fall in the category of globe valves.

As you might already know, these are prevalent types of valves whose primary function is to throttle.

The disk component moves down or up to let media flow through.

This means that you can control the size of the opening between the disk and the seat, making it great for throttling applications.

OS&Y globe valves are not prone to the negative effects of vibration caused by throttling.

As a precaution, you should not use them in close throttling applications when there is a 20% repeatable pressure drop.

Negative effects such as pipe and valve damage, vibration, and noise might arise.

Can You Use OS & Y Globe Valves For Isolation?

Yes, you can use an OS&Y globe valve for isolation or regulation, depending upon the type of trim it has.

You should take factors like tight seal maintenance if you wish to use OS&Y globe valves in isolation applications.

Can You Install OS & Y Globe Valves Upside Down?

We do not recommend that you install the OS&Y globe valves upside down. Installing it upside down may result in the accumulation of dust and debris on the bonnet.

We recommend that you install the OS&Y globe valves in an upright orientation.

However, you can install it in whichever direction you want. But you should know that doing would be an unnecessary compromise.

What End Connections Are Available For OS & Y Globe Valves?

The OS&Y globe valves come in a complete end connections range, including groove to groove, groove to flange and flange to flange configurations, etc.

These end connections are available in 2” sizes to 12″ sizes.

They allow for faster and easier connections and allow for additional connections like pressure or gauge switches. Moreover, they make maintenance easy.

OS& Y Globe Valve for Fire Fighting

Do OS & Y Globe Valves Come With A Warranty?

Yes, OS&Y globe valves have a warranty. The warranty acts as a sign of our confidence in the quality of our products.

That they are without any defects that arise from the craft levels. The warranty lasts for a period of up to 12 months.

The warranty will be void if:-

• You do not install the OS&Y globe valve as per our specifications.
• You apply them within an out-of-range temperature and pressure ratings.
• You use unauthorized third-party parts.

We shall replace only defective components or parts and not the whole valve. The warranty, however, does not extend to consequential, freight, and labor charges.

What Is The Price Of OS & Y Globe Valves?

The price of OS&Y globe valves varies depending on their size and class rating. Other factors such as the material of construction also come into play.

Their price ranges between 451 dollars for the smallest size, i.e., 2 inches, to 6200 dollars for the largest size, i.e., 12 inches.

Material of construction is, in this case, 300RF Cast Steel.

Contact us for other sizes, materials, and options.